Early Detection and Protection Specialist; Program Specialist-II), Grade 21

About The Position

THIS IS AN INTERNAL "ONLY" JOB POSTING, AVAILABLE TO CURRENT MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.

This Position is ONLY Open to Montgomery County Government Employees:

• Current Montgomery County Government employees.
• Montgomery County employees who were affected by a reduction-in-force and currently have RIF priority rights.
• Active Montgomery County local fire and rescue department volunteers with at least 50 points under the length of service award program (LOSAP); or
• Active Project SEARCH Interns or former Montgomery County Government Customized Employment Public Interns, or Project SEARCH Interns within 24 months of completion of internship.

Please note:

The salary range above represents this position’s earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $70,556.00 to $ based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

We are seeking a highly organized, analytical, and mission-driven Early Detection and Prevention Specialist (Program Specialist-II, Grade 21) to support and advance the Office of Consumer Protection’s (OCP) early detection and prevention initiatives. This position plays a critical role in strengthening OCP’s education-first approach to compliance, with a focus on Permit Review and Early Prevention (PREP), Short-Term Residential Rental (STRR) licensing, Scam Prevention, and other early detection and prevention efforts.

The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who can independently manage program initiatives, analyze trends, and coordinate across internal teams and external partners to promote compliance before consumer harm occurs. You are comfortable working within regulatory frameworks, interpreting program requirements, and translating them into clear guidance, education, and operational improvements.

We are looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative public-service environment, values fairness and transparency, and is motivated by preventing harm through education, data-informed decision-making, and early intervention. This role is well-suited for a professional who enjoys balancing analytical work with practical program support and who can adapt standard procedures to address emerging or complex compliance challenges.

• Program & Compliance Insight: Ability to support and implement compliance initiatives within regulatory or licensing programs, with an understanding of how education and early intervention reduce enforcement needs.
• Analytical Thinking: Skilled in reviewing data, identifying trends or risk indicators, and using findings to inform program strategies, outreach, and process improvements.
• Operational Coordination: Experience managing program activities, timelines, and deliverables while coordinating with internal staff and external stakeholders to meet shared objectives.
• Clear Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain program requirements, compliance expectations, and findings to varied audiences.
• Adaptability & Initiative: Comfortable working with evolving program needs, adapting existing procedures, and recommending practical improvements when standard approaches do not fully address program goals.
• Commitment To Public Service: A demonstrated interest in consumer protection, regulatory fairness, and supporting County residents through education-focused, preventative solutions.

As a Program Specialist II, you will play a central role in advancing the Office of Consumer Protection’s (OCP) Early Detection and Prevention strategy. Your work will focus on identifying potential compliance risks early, engaging businesses before violations escalates, and supporting education-first compliance initiatives tied to Permit Review and Early Prevention (PREP), Short-Term Residential Rental (STRR) licensing, and related programs.

This position emphasizes proactive analysis, program coordination, and direct educational engagement to reduce consumer harm through early intervention. You will work independently on assigned initiatives while collaborating with internal teams and external partners to…